Posted on 07/02/2004 6:00:09 AM PDT by Tolik
Interesting article PING. !The arguments on behalf of freedom, and of America, are not only for the benefit of Muslims in the Arab world; they are also for the benefit of people in America and the West. To help counter the anti-Americanism that we see from Europeans and sometimes even from Americans, we can confidently show our allies, our citizens, and our idealistic young people that America is not simply richer, more varied, and more tolerant, it is also morally superior to the fundamentalists' version of Islamic society. It was Edmund Burke a long time ago who wrote, "To love our country, our country ought to be lovely." Burke's point is that the highest form of patriotism is not based on the dogmatic assertion, "My country, right or wrong." Nor is the highest form of patriotism based on loving your country simply because it is yours. Rather, the highest form of patriotism is based on loving your country because it is good.
In my view America, for all its flaws and weaknesses, can meet Burke's test. America merits a rational patriotism that can confront, and answer, the strongest criticisms of this country. Ultimately America is worthy of our love and sacrifice because, more than any other society, it makes possible for its citizens the good life, and equally important, the life that is good.
This ping list is not author-specific for articles I'd like to share. Some for perfect moral clarity, some for provocative thoughts; or simply interesting articles I'd hate to miss myself. (I don't have to agree with the author 100% to feel the need to share an article.) I will try not to abuse the ping list and not to annoy you too much, but on some days there is more of good stuff that is worthy attention. I keep separate PING lists for my favorite authors Victor Davis Hanson, Lee Harris, David Warren, Orson Scott Card. You are welcome in or out, just freepmail me (and note which PING list you are talking about).
America is good and that is why America deserves to be loved. If more Americans would love her goodness instead of criticizing every flaw and vice she has under the sun, her light would change the world for the benefit of all mankind.
America is the most successful society ever. Any and all Muslim societies are miserable failures, at the bottom of the heap in every way.
I love the profoundness of D'Souza's writing. He always gets and explains one layer deeper than anyone else I've read.
Excellent!...
Agree. I think this article should be a required reading starting from middle school up.
We do not appeal to a religious authority to resolve public policy debates (although our public policy debates are informed by religious values, and religious authorities such as Catholic bishops are free to participate in debate).
We have a strong belief that our lives can be improved by hard work and through science and technology. The tremendous material and technological success of the West is a direct result of this. The Cassini probe that entered Saturn orbit this week is a beautiful reminder of why the West is so powerful -- Islam long ago abandoned the scientific curiousity it had in the late medieval period.
Let us concede at the outset that in a free society freedom will often be used badly. The Islamic critics have a point when they deplore our high crime and illegitimacy rates and the triviality and vulgarity of our popular culture.
Something I've been saying for a while now.
Dinesh D'Souza just says it better...make that MUCH better.
I know we don't like to admit it but look at America's cultural exports to the world, Dallas, Britney Spears,...
What we need to do is get Madison Ave. on board with this war.
B4L8r
"Qutb pointed to divorce, family breakdown, homosexuality, promiscuity, and the triviality and vulgarity of American popular culture as proof that human beings cannot be expected to use freedom except to gratify their basest impulses."
All of these things are pillars of western liberalism. Yet...the liberals are helping the Muslims to take over, not realizing that as soon as the Muslims gain power, liberals/gays/feminists will be the first ones crushed under the tank treads or placed on the cattle cars.
That's something I've been saying too, and have been attacked for it.
Add to the fact that America has slaughtered 40 million innocents, and it's no wonder why so many hate us.
Whoa, what happened to my comment?
Wow! This goes straight to the heart of the problem like nothing I have read for a long time.
Add to the fact that America has slaughtered 40 million innocents
?
We can generally agree with the Muslims that murder, robbery, rape, stuff like that are crimes. When we get to sex, we divurge on what is good and what is bad. Howard Stern is a scream to some (me included) while in their countries they would cut his tongue off, or worse. Even in our country the proliferation of sexual content available to children is concern to many. I don't see how a devout Muslim would ever agree to allow this sort of thing to be allowed where they are in control. There are always a certain percentage of people who want to tell others how to live, and under the guise of religion, and the power of the state, and their feeling that they are right, and doing God's will, will not be deterred.
Dinesh D'Souza on Sayyid Qutb ping!
Roe v. Wade.
"Salvation for Muslims, no less than for Jews and Christians, is based on the soul choosing freely to follow God."
Some would probably quibble with the above.
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